Paramount Plus is not included in standard Dish Network packages, but you can add it as a standalone subscription or access it through certain Dish promotions
Dish Network does not bundle Paramount Plus into its regular TV packages the way it includes channels like HBO or Showtime. However, you have two main paths: you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through Dish's platform (if your equipment supports it), or you can sign up for Paramount Plus separately and watch it on a different device while keeping your Dish service for live TV.
The method that works for you depends on your Dish equipment, your internet speed, and whether you want everything in one place or are comfortable switching between services. Dish occasionally runs promotions that bundle Paramount Plus at a discount, but these are temporary and not always available to all customers.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus can be added through Dish's Roku-based receivers if you have a newer Dish box, but older equipment may not support it.
- You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly on the Paramount Plus website or app and watch it on phones, tablets, computers, or streaming devices while keeping Dish for live TV.
- Dish occasionally offers promotional pricing on Paramount Plus for the first few months, but you must check with your account or call Dish to see current offers.
- A stable internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is required to stream Paramount Plus without constant buffering.
Adding Paramount Plus through Dish's Roku platform
If you have a newer Dish receiver with Roku built in, you may be able to add Paramount Plus directly through your Dish box. Dish began rolling out Roku-powered receivers in 2022, and these models can access streaming apps including Paramount Plus. To check if your equipment supports this, look at your receiver model number or call Dish customer service and ask whether your box has Roku capability.
If your receiver does have Roku, you can navigate to the app store on your Dish box, search for Paramount Plus, and install it. You will then log in with a Paramount Plus account (which you create separately on the Paramount Plus website). This method keeps everything on one screen, but it requires your Dish box to have a strong internet connection and enough storage space for the app.
Older Dish receivers—those with standard Dish software rather than Roku—do not support third-party streaming apps. If you have an older box, you will need to use one of the other methods described below.
Subscribing to Paramount Plus separately
The most straightforward option is to sign up for Paramount Plus directly on the Paramount Plus website or through the Paramount Plus app on your phone or tablet. You create an account, choose a subscription tier (with or without ads), and pay monthly. This subscription works independently of your Dish service and does not require any special equipment or Dish approval.
Once you have a Paramount Plus account, you can watch on any device: your phone, tablet, laptop, or a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast. You straightforward read the Paramount Plus app, log in, and start watching. This method means you are not tied to your Dish box and can watch Paramount Plus anywhere you have internet.
The trade-off is that you are paying for two separate services—Dish for live TV and Paramount Plus for streaming—and you have to switch between them. However, this is often the fastest way to start watching, since you do not have to wait for Dish to process anything or worry about equipment compatibility.
Checking for Dish promotions on Paramount Plus
Dish occasionally runs limited-time offers that bundle Paramount Plus at a reduced rate or even free for a few months. These promotions are not permanent and change throughout the year. To learn about a current promotion is available to you, log into your Dish account online, call Dish customer service at 1-800-333-3474, or visit a Dish retail location.
When you call, ask specifically whether Paramount Plus is being offered at a promotional price for new or existing customers. If a promotion is running, Dish can add it to your account directly, and the charge will appear on your monthly bill. Keep in mind that promotional pricing usually expires after a set period (often three to six months), and the price will then increase to the regular Paramount Plus rate unless you cancel.
Internet requirements for streaming Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus requires a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps to stream in standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K video. If you are streaming through your Dish box or on multiple devices at the same time, you need enough bandwidth to handle all the traffic. Check your internet speed using a free tool like Speedtest.net to see whether your connection can handle streaming without constant buffering.
If your internet is slow, you have a few options: upgrade your internet plan through your provider, move your streaming device closer to your router, reduce the number of devices using the internet at the same time, or lower the video quality in the Paramount Plus app settings. Some people find that streaming on their phone or tablet uses less bandwidth than streaming on a TV through a larger device.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Equipment needed | Cost | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Dish Roku box | Newer Dish receiver with Roku | Paramount Plus subscription (may have Dish promotion) | 10–15 minutes | People who want everything on one screen |
| Standalone Paramount Plus subscription | Phone, tablet, laptop, or streaming device | Paramount Plus subscription only | 5 minutes | People who want to watch on multiple devices |
| Dish promotional bundle | Any Dish receiver (if promotion applies) | Discounted or free for promotional period | One phone call | People who want the lowest short-term cost |
Troubleshooting common issues
If you are trying to add Paramount Plus through your Dish box and the app will not install, first check that your receiver is connected to the internet and that your internet speed is adequate. Restart your Dish box by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the app still will not install, your receiver may not have Roku capability, or it may not have enough storage space. Contact Dish support to confirm your equipment model.
If you are streaming Paramount Plus on a separate device and experiencing buffering, move closer to your router, reduce video quality in the app settings, or check whether other devices on your network are using bandwidth. If you are having trouble logging into your Paramount Plus account, make sure you are using the correct email and password, and reset your password on the Paramount Plus website if needed. Paramount Plus support can be reached through the help section of their website or app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dish Network include Paramount Plus with any package?
No, Paramount Plus is not included in any standard Dish package. However, Dish occasionally runs promotions that offer Paramount Plus at a discount or free for a limited time. Contact Dish to ask about current offers.
Can I watch Paramount Plus on my old Dish receiver?
Only if your receiver has Roku built in. Older Dish boxes with standard Dish software do not support streaming apps. If you have an older receiver, you can watch Paramount Plus on a phone, tablet, laptop, or separate streaming device instead.
What is the cheapest way to get Paramount Plus with Dish?
Watch for Dish promotions, which sometimes offer Paramount Plus free or discounted for the first few months. After the promotion ends, a standalone Paramount Plus subscription costs the same whether you buy it through Dish or directly. Signing up directly on the Paramount Plus website is usually faster.
Do I need faster internet to stream Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus needs at least 5 Mbps for standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K. If you are streaming on multiple devices at once, you need more total bandwidth. Test your speed at Speedtest.net to see if your connection is adequate.
Can I use Paramount Plus on my phone while keeping Dish for my TV?
Yes. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus separately and watch it on your phone, tablet, or any streaming device while keeping your Dish service for live TV. The two services work independently and do not interfere with each other.